UNGA: President Tinubu Cautions Foreigners Aiding and Abetting Nigerians to Mine Gold Illegally
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has summoned courage to caution the foreign countries that are aiding and abetting with some Nigerians to illegally mine gold and other resources in the country.
He passed this warning to the international community while addressing the general assembly Tuesday night at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
Speaking on many troubles facing Nigeria and the African Continent, Tinubu said: “Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources.”
According to President Tinubu, billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises.
He posited that if the illegal mining is left unchecked, it will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.
“If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.”
He asked them, “Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design.”
Tinubu tasked member nations in the meeting to reply by working with Nigeria and other African countries to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches.
On climate change, he said, “African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. Adding, “To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts.”
He promised that in Nigeria, “We shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote economic good.
“Projects such as a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of our forests by mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives.”
Speaking on behalf of Africa, Tinubu said: ” The continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives.
“Again, this would go far in demonstrating that global solidarity is real and working.”
